Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish topped with a crispy, cheesy Ritz cracker crust. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or potluck. The savory blend of chicken, rice, and rich ingredients makes this casserole a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked and cubed chicken
• 6.9 oz box chicken Rice-A-Roni
• 1 cup sour cream
• 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 6 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare a 9 x 13 inch baking dish by spraying it lightly with non-stick spray. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Cook the Rice-A-Roni according to package instructions. Make sure your chicken is cooked and cubed; a store-bought rotisserie chicken works well to save time.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked chicken and prepared rice mixture to the soup mixture, stirring to combine evenly. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, melt the butter. Crush the Ritz crackers in their package until finely crumbed, then stir the crumbs into the melted butter. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and mix well.
6. Step 6: Spread the cracker and cheese mixture evenly over the casserole.
7. Step 7: Bake the casserole for 25 minutes. Then switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to toast the topping until golden and crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious, creamy Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole!

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time or leftovers from a roasted chicken for extra flavor.
• Add a handful of frozen peas or chopped broccoli to the mixture for added color and nutrition.
• Swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
• For extra crunch, mix some chopped nuts into the Ritz topping before baking.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap the casserole securely and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with aluminum foil, for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice instead of Rice-A-Roni?

Yes, you can substitute with cooked white or brown rice. Keep in mind you may need to adjust seasonings and moisture levels since Rice-A-Roni includes seasoning packets.

Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

You can substitute gluten-free crackers for Ritz crackers and use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup to adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets.

Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 97 reviews

This hearty Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender cooked chicken and flavorful Chicken Rice-A-Roni are combined with creamy sour cream and cream of chicken soup, then topped with a buttery, cheesy Ritz cracker crust that adds a delightful crunchy contrast. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy-to-make casserole that delivers warm, satisfying flavors with minimal prep.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked and cubed chicken
• 6.9 oz box Chicken Rice-A-Roni
• 1 cup sour cream
• 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper

Ritz Topping

• 6 TBSP butter, melted
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Prep the Baking Dish and Oven: Lightly spray a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare Chicken Rice-A-Roni: Cook the Chicken Rice-A-Roni according to package instructions. Ensure the chicken is pre-cooked—using rotisserie chicken or cooking it in a crockpot are convenient options.
3. Make the Creamy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Chicken and Rice: Add the cooked, cubed chicken and prepared rice mixture into the soup mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour and spread the combined chicken and rice mixture evenly into the prepared 9 x 13 baking pan.
6. Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers while still in their package or in a bowl. In a small bowl, melt the butter, then stir in the crushed crackers until evenly coated. Add shredded cheddar cheese and mix gently.
7. Apply Topping: Evenly spread the buttered cracker and cheese mixture over the top of the casserole in the baking pan.
8. Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 25 minutes, allowing the casserole to heat through and the topping to set.
9. Broil to Finish: Switch the oven to broil and broil the casserole for 2 to 3 minutes to brown and toast the Ritz cracker topping until golden and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
10. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish warm.

Notes

• Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
• You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw if frozen, then reheat in a 350°F oven covered with aluminum foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• For extra crispiness, broil for an additional minute but watch carefully to avoid burning the topping.
• You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade or low-sodium version for a healthier alternative.
• Leftover casserole can be portioned and refrigerated or frozen in airtight containers for easy future meals.

Keywords: Ritz chicken casserole, chicken and rice casserole, easy casserole recipe, baked chicken recipe, comfort food, cheesy Ritz topping, family dinner